Premier League Match Preview: Norwich City vs. Manchester United

Norwich City earned their first defeat in four meetings after they welcomed Fulham to their home. This deprived the side with three points but they were nevertheless able to escape the bottom zone after ranking 14th in the final tally for week 18.

Rene Meulensteen’s men triumphed in just one of their previous nine league outings, made worse by their crusade toward a second-rate Boxing Day when Gary Hooper’s rebounded shot put Norwich ahead. But Pajtim Kasami, who last scored in the remarkable 4-1 conquest at Crystal Palace, nailed an equalizer before half-time and Parker netted a gorgeous winning goal in the fixture’s dying minutes.

Manchester United

Manchester United scored their third consecutive win after they trounced Hull City on Thursday in front of more than 24,000 spectators at The KC Stadium. Former United trainee Chester opened the scoring with a close-range finish in the fourth minute; he had a sprightly chance to finish it in injury time except that David De Gea made the save.

David Meyler doubled Hull’s advantage via Jonny Evans in the 13th minute. United, however, rallied speedily from their dreadful start and were level by the 25th minute as Chris Smalling’s header and Wayne Rooney’s stellar volley touched the net. Hull could have finished the match with at least one point to bring home, but Chester turned Ashley Young’s cross into his own net—dismaying the hosts’ fans for an own goal and giving away all the three points to the visitors. One lucky escape for United, indeed.

Football betting tip: With a more reliable form to flaunt than Norwich City, Manchester United will dominate this match over.